Zuma Beach Triathlon (formerly the Malibu Triathlon) cancelled for 2024

After all the drama around the Malibu Triathlon (we broke the news that the PTO had backed Michael Epstein’s bid to re-take over the permits for the event from supertri – formerly Super League – see the link below), it turns out that organizers will have to cancel this year’s race.

PTO backs Michael Epstein’s Zuma Foundation bid for Malibu Triathlon

Here’s the short version of what went down around the Malibu race: Epstein sold the Malibu Triathlon to Motiv sports, which then sold the event to Super League Triathlon. In early 2023 the city of Malibu created a “Road Race Ad Hoc Committee” to decide which organizations should get the two permits the city gives out for a running race and a triathlon every year. Suddenly Super League Triathlon was competing for the rights to put on a race it had purchased three years before. That committee decided to give the Zuma Foundation (run by Epstein) the triathlon permit.

As is detailed in the link above, through a request for documents from the City of Malibu, Triathlon Magazine attained the Zuma Foundation’s “response” for the request for proposals (RFP) that the City of Malibu put out last year. In that proposal is a letter signed by the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) CEO Sam Renouf, committing US$300,000 in “financial support towards its event budget, as well as providing operational, marketing and commercial support from our team of experienced personnel.”

After regaining the permit for the triathlon in Malibu, Epstein had to change the name of the race since he no longer owned the rights to the Malibu Triathlon name.

According to a release from the organizers, construction on the Pacific Coast Highway and a delay in the Trancas Bridge project means that the event can’t be put in this year.

‘With the goal of producing a world-class triathlon event for the City of Malibu, the local community, participants, and all stakeholders involved, the Zuma Foundation has requested that the City of Malibu postpone The Zuma Beach Triathlon to the Fall of 2025. This decision prioritizes the safety of participants and ensures the delivery of a world-class event for the City of Malibu, local residents and athletes.

‘The health and wellbeing of our race participants is of the utmost importance. The ongoing construction and repair issues on Pacific Coast Highway, including the delayed completion of the Trancas Bridge project, among others, have led us to reschedule the event due to safety concerns for the thousands of athletes that come to Malibu to train on the course leading up to the race.

‘The Zuma Foundation is committed to delivering an exceptional triathlon experience. By adjusting our timeline to take into account the ongoing repairs on the course and Pacific Coast Highway, we can ensure optimal course conditions and a truly unforgettable event. Most importantly, this decision prioritizes the safety of all athletes participating.

‘Thank you for your understanding and support of the Zuma Foundation during this transitional year. Additional details and information to come.

The Zuma Foundation Board of Directors’